Arizona State Football: 5 Players Who Must Step Up in 2012

After a disappointing 6-7 2011 season that ended in five straight losses, Arizona State may face even more struggles in 2012.

The loss of starting quarterback Brock Osweiler and the scarcity of experienced offensive skill players and linebackers are concerning issues that the Sun Devils must address.

However, head coach Todd Graham does have reason to be optimistic. He has two promising young quarterbacks battling for the starting job, several versatile running backs and some under-the-radar defenders with a lot of upside.

If these five players can step up and become stars in 2012, the Sun Devils may make some serious noise in the Pac-12 South.

Mike Bercovici/Michael Eubank

The departure of Brock Osweiler to the NFL leaves a big hole in the center of the Arizona State offense.

While the starting quarterback job is currently up for grabs, the Sun Devils will depend on their new quarterback to step up and lead the offense.

The top candidates to take over for Osweiler are sophomore Mike Bercovici and redshirt freshman Michael Eubank.

Bercovici is a great pocket passer with a strong arm who played in a couple of games a season ago. Eubank is a very big, athletic passer with a lot of upside. The former 4-star recruit stands in at 6'5" and 242 pounds and has great mobility.

Head coach Todd Graham told the Sporting News that "one of them needs to separate themselves in a hurry" in fall camp, but hinted that Eubank will get the nod.

"I would tell you the big boy is gonna be hard not to play," Graham said. "He's pretty impressive."

The young passer who wins this battle will need to step up and lead a young Arizona State offense in 2012.